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IS 13291 (1992): Concrete block making machine - General

requirements [MED 18: Construction Plant and Machinery]

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Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda
Invent a New India Using Knowledge

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 IS 13291 : 2012

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Indian Standard
CONCRETE BLOCK MAKING MACHINES
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
( First Revision )

ICS 91.220

BIS 2012
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002

November 2012 Price Group 3

Construction Plant and Machinery Sectional Committee, MED 18

FOREWORD
This Indian Standard (First Revision) was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, after the draft finalized by
the Construction Plant and Machinery Sectional Committee had been approved by the Mechanical Engineering
Division Council.
This standard was first published in 1992. Concrete blocks are commonly used in walls, partitions, roof, etc. This
standard, covering requirements for size, operation speed and construction of concrete block making machines,
has been formulated with a view to provide guidance both in the manufacture and the purchase of this type of
machines. The experience gained in implementation of standard and revision/superseding of reference standards
have necessitated this revision.
The composition of the Committee responsible for the formulation of this standard is given at Annex B.
For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with the final value,
observed or calculated, expressing the results of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance with IS 2 : 1960
Rules for rounding off numerical values (revised). The number of significant places retained in the rounded off
value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.
 IS 13291 : 2012

Indian Standard
CONCRETE BLOCK MAKING MACHINES
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
( First Revision )
1 SCOPE 3.3 Mould It is a structural steel (see IS 2062)
fabricated member for moulding concrete blocks of
1.1 This standard lays down requirements for concrete
required shapes and sizes.
solid and cavity block making machines of stationary
and travelling type, having electrical motor driven 3.4 Ram It is a structural steel (see IS 2062)
vibration and travel mechanism (for travelling type) fabricated member of complementary shape to the
for manufacturing concrete blocks according to IS 2185 moulds with requisite tolerances for compaction of
(Part 1): 2005 Concrete mason unitsSpecification: block concrete and for release of cast blocks from the
Part 1 Hollow and solid concrete blocks (third moulds.
revision).
3.5 Machine Assembly Structural assembly of the
1.2 This standard does not cover completely manually machine consisting of,
operated hand moulding sets.
a) main supporting frame to support the machine
2 REFERENCES on platform and provide mobility mechanism
for mobile machines;
The standards given below contain provisions which b) ram fixing frame; and
through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
c) mould fixing frame.
this standard. At the time of publication, the editions
indicated were valid. All standards are subject to NOTE The material of above frames shall conform to
revision and parties to agreements based on this IS 2062.
standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility 3.6 Vibrator Assembly Electrically operated
of applying the most recent editions of the standards vibrating mechanism fixed to the mould frame to
indicated below: produce dense blocks.
IS No. Title 3.7 Tamping Arrangement A form fitting
2062 : 2006 Hot rolled low, medium and high arrangement to obtain compaction through ramming
tensile structural steel (sixth revision) action and to provide required height to the concrete
2932 : 2003 Enamel, synthetic, exterior: (a) in the moulds after compaction.
Undercoating, (b) Finishing
4 DESIGNATION OF SIZES
Specification (third revision)
4.1 Nomenclature of the parts of the concrete block
3 TERMINOLOGY making machine is identified in Fig. 1.
For the purpose of this standard, the following 4.2 The sizes of concrete block making machines shall
definitions shall apply. be designated by the casting size of the machine, in
mm.
3.1 Stationary Type A concrete block making
machine with frame fixed on ground or on an elevated 800 mm 600 mm
structure. The blocks are laid on wooden or metal pallets 1 000 mm 600 mm
to be transported either manually or mechanically. 4.3 The intermediate and other sizes shall not be
3.2 Travelling Type/Egg Laying Type A concrete considered as standard sizes, although these may be
block making mobile machine which lays blocks on a supplied by mutual agreement between the purchaser
level platform on which it moves. The machine lays a and the supplier.
particular number of blocks over the platform and
5 OPERATION SPEEDS
moves further to lay another set of blocks, so as to
cover the casting platform, in a continuous casting 5.1 The machine travelling speed shall not be less than
process. 15 m/min along the casting platform.

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IS 13291 : 2012

FIG. 1 A TYPICAL SKETCH OF C ONCRETE BLOCK MAKING MACHINE

5.2 Casting Speed 6.3 Ram frame shall be made from not less than 6 mm
thick steel plates. The pockets for cavity shall be made
Number of casting operations of the machine shall be
from 3 to 4 mm steel plates. The edges and welds are
between 40 and 55 numbers of casting of block
dressed to remove burrs and irregularities so that the
operations per hour. The number of operations per hour
block contact surfaces are left cleaned and smooth. Steel
shall be specified for each machine. The specifications
plates shall correspond to IS 2062.
for the motor shall be clearly identified.
6.4 Block machine shall have normal provision for
6 GENERAL CONSTRUCTION fitment and use of different moulds. The machine shall
6.1 Besides vehicle chassis and the drive/driven have versatility for production of different types of
mechanism, other main components of the concrete concrete blocks and allied products. The removal of
block making machines are hydraulic pump and its one ram mould pair and fitment of another ram mould
accessories, frame structures for mounting the moulds pair shall be easy and require minimum time.
and the mould assembly. All sub-assemblies, including 6.5 The machines shall have provision for making
the charging hopper and mould of concrete block adjustment to the fitment of ram and mould assembly
making machines of the same size manufactured or so as to have proper level and alignment.
supplied under a specific contract shall be physically
and mechanically identical. 6.6 The frame of machines shall be manufactured from
suitable steel sections and plates corresponding to
6.2 All parts and components shall be provided with IS 2062 with normal cares for welding and cleaning.
two coats of anti-corrosive primer and one coat of The machine shall be capable of incorporating ram and
synthetic enamel paint or PVC paint (each of 30 mould assembly for block sizes which shall be as
thickness) before assembly of the concrete block specified in the relevant Indian Standards.
making machine. The components shall be thoroughly
cleaned for removal of rust, oil, grease, dust, etc, before 6.7 The vibrations shall be approximately
application of primer coats. Second coat of synthetic 6 000 vibrations/min. Amplitude of vibrations shall
enamel paint or PVC paint (30 thick) shall be applied be as required for proper compaction of the blocks
on the machine after its final assembly. Synthetic as per the mix used. Vibration arrangement shall have
enamel paints shall conform to IS 2932. scope for adjusting amplitude of vibration by

2
 IS 13291 : 2012

adjusting the counter weights. The vibration spindles 8 INSPECTION RECORD

shall be rested on proper ball bearing to obtain
A proper inspection record of the machine at the time
smooth operation and belt vibrator with an electric
of final testing is maintained as given in Annex A.
motor as prime mover fixed to the main frame shall
be used. 9 MAINTENANCE ACCESSIBILITY
6.8 The travel of the ram shall be controlled so as 9.1 Manufacturer shall provide operation and
to exert pressure on the concrete due to its travel till maintenance manual along with machine.
the correct height for the block is achieved. The
height of the block shall be obtained by the ram 9.2 Ease of Maintenance
assembly with the help of limit switches which shall All major assemblies and installed attachments shall
cut off the power to the vibrator motor at appropriate be accessible for maintenance, repairs and replacements
time. without the removal of other major assemblies and
installed attachments. Covers and plates which shall
7 INSPECTION OF THE MACHINE
be removed for component adjustments, replacements
7.1 After assembly of the machine it should be checked and maintenance shall be equipped with quick
for the following: disconnect fasteners.
a) Workmanship; 10 MARKING
b) Welding and cleaning of welds;
10.1 Each concrete block making machine shall have
c) Dry run of machine; and firmly attached to it a plate giving the following particulars:
d) Sample moulding of blocks.
a) Name of manufacturer;
7.2 Sample Moulding of Blocks b) Year of manufacture;
The test is done to ensure that the blocks are cast without c) Sl No. of machine;
damage and with correct size. d) Size of machine;
e) Details and Sl No. of electric motors; and
7.2.1 The mould and ram are fixed to the respective
frames and by trying movements the alignment is f) Type of machine.
checked and adjusted, if necessary.
10.2 BIS Certification Marking
7.2.2 Platform for Trial
The concrete block making machine may also be
The trial is conducted on a concrete platform (or pallet) marked with the Standard Mark.
with good strength, surface finish and level.
10.2.1 The use of the Standard Mark is governed by
7.2.3 The concrete is fed to the machine by spreader the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act,
as in the actual use and one or two sets of blocks are 1986 and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder.
cast to ascertain the concrete shape and dimensions. The details of conditions under which the licence for
Any correction required is made immediately and more the use of the Standard Mark may be granted to
sets of blocks are cast till satisfactory results are manufacturers or producers may be obtained from the
obtained. Bureau of Indian Standards.

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IS 13291 : 2012

ANNEX A
(Clause 8)
INSPECTION RECORD

A-1 BLOCK MAKING MACHINE TYPE

Sl Particulars of Inspection Remarks
No.
i) General inspection:
a) Welding and cleaning
b) Nuts, bolts and washer fitting
c) Adjustments for trough and height of block
d) General lubrication and gear
e) Painting
ii) Ram and mould:
a) Welding
b) Dimensional accuracy
c) Fixing arrangement and adjustment
iii) Assembled unit:
a) Various clearances required for operation
b) Smooth operation and correct alignment in dry run
c) Motors details and currents

ANNEX B
(Foreword)
COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
Construction Plant and Machinery Sectional Committee, MED 18

Organization Representative(s)
Ministry of Defence, CQAE, Pune BRIG K. K. KAUSHAL (Chairman)
Airport Authority of India, New Delhi SHRI G. K. CHOUDHARY
SHRI R. L. SHARMA (Alternate)
Atlas Copco (India) Ltd, Pune SHRI N. SAMBASIVAM
Bhai Sunderdass & Sons Co Pvt Ltd, New Delhi SHRI BHAI TIRLOCHAN SINGH
SHRI BHAI SWINDER SINGH (Alternate)
Bharat Earth Movers Ltd, Kolar Gold Field SHRI H. M. MALLESH
SHRI K. RAMESH KULKARNI (Alternate)
Britania Engineering Ltd, Kolkata SHRI NIRMAL K. DASTIDAR
SHRI SUBRATA GANGULY (Alternate)
Build Aids, Chennai SHRI MOHAN RAMANATHAN
Builders Association of India, Bombay SHRI T. H. PESHORI
Caterpiller India Pvt Ltd., Chennai SHRI PRAJEESH SANKARAN
Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee SHRI S. K. SAINI
SHRI D. K. GAUTAM (Alternate)
Central Public Works Department, New Delhi SHRI K. K. SHARMA
SHRI VIMAL KUMAR (Alternate)
Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi DR P. K. NANDA
Central Water Commission, New Delhi SHRI R. K. SINHA
SHRI ATUL JAIN (Alternate)

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 IS 13291 : 2012

Directorate General Border Roads, New Delhi SHRI P. K. JAIN

Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals, New Delhi SHRI K. C. JHA
SHRI S. K. AGARWAL (Alternate)
Engineering Projects (India) Ltd, New Delhi SHRI K. PAUL
SHRI S. C. GANDHI (Alternate)
Engineer-in-Chief's Branch, New Delhi SHRI R. A. DUBEY
SHRI ARUL DAS (Alternate)
Escorts Construction Equipment Ltd., Faridabad SHRI V. K. JADON
SHRI S. K. GHOSH (Alternate)
Greaves Cotton Ltd, Mumbai SHRI R. GANESH
SHRI K. RAJ KUMAR (Alternate)
Indian Road Construction Corporation Ltd, New Delhi SHRI. M. N. SINGH
SHRI. A. SEN (Alternate)
Ingersoll-Rand, New Delhi SHRI P. S. GYANI
SHRI HARKESH JAGGI (Alternate)
Ircon International Ltd, New Delhi SHRI S. K. GUPTA
L& T-Case Equipment Pvt Ltd, Pithampur SHRI U. S. KULKARNI
SHRI RAJIV SHALIA (Alternate)
L&T Komatsu Ltd, Bangalore SHRI G. S. NARAYANA
SHRI H. N. NAGARAJAARAYA (Alternate)
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, New Delhi SHRI S. N. DAS
Ministry of Defence, DGQA, New Delhi COL S. SURESH
COL V. V. KADAM (Alternate)
National Council for Cement and Building Material, Faridabad SHRI SATISH SHARMA
SHRI A. K. MISHRA (Alternate)
National Projects Construction, Corporation Ltd, New Delhi SHRI R. P. CHOPRA
SHRI S. M. GUPTA (Alternate)
Punjab Irrigation & Power Department, Chandigarh CHIEF ENGINEER
DIRECTOR (Alternate)
Speedcrafts Ltd, Patna SHRI SHASHANK AGARWALA
SHRI H. K. SHARMA (Alternate)
In personal capacity (14, HIG Duplex, Chander Nagar, Ghaziabad) SHRI S. N. MAHAJAN
In personal capacity (Flat No. 64, Pocket D-10 Sector 7, Rohini, SHRI RAJENDRA JEE
New Delhi)
In personal capacity (G-99, Pushkar Enclave, Paschim Vihar, SHRI HANS RAJ
New Delhi)
BIS Directorate General SHRI C. K. VEDA, Scientist F and Head (MED)
[Representing Director General (Ex-officio)]

Member Secretary
SHRI M. K. PARAMANIK
Scientist B (MED), BIS

5
Bureau of Indian Standards

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Review of Indian Standards

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should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest amendments or edition by referring to the latest issue of
BIS Catalogue and Standards : Monthly Additions.

This Indian Standard has been developed from Doc No.: MED 18 (1039).

Amendments Issued Since Publication

Amend No. Date of Issue Text Affected

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